Fall decor trends

Melissa Dunlap is a writer, editor and blogger specializing in lifestyle communications. Fueled by curiosity, and a tad too much coffee, Melissa enjoys dissecting current trends for the modern woman. When she's not having dance parties w...

5 Hot trends to try this fall

Looking for a stylish way to celebrate the autumn season? We spoke with the experts to see what's hot this year for fall so you can put together a chic look for your space that's right on trend.

Play with pattern

From masculine menswear-inspired houndstooth fabric to playful geometric lines, patterns are trending big. "Patterns are easily the hottest trend for fall 2012," says designer Marlaina Teich, whose work has been featured in House Beautiful and Better Homes and Gardens. "Chevrons, geometrics and global prints are everywhere from accent pillows, area rugs, wallpaper for accent walls (another wild trend for 2012), fabrics, ottomans — the list is endless."

Modern glamour

If we've learned anything from the Mad Men craze, it's that people are still craving the glamorous lifestyles of bygone eras. The economy might be sluggish, but people are giving their homes a luxe look with metallic accents. Teich says, "Glam is still the rage, and the best way to infuse a bit of sexiness into everyday living is with a touch of metal and shine." To give a room a subtle glow, she suggests using a metallic paint glaze on the walls.

Wallpapers, fabric and even rugs are also being made with metallic strands of gold or pewter threads that add an instant boost of glamour to a space. On a budget? The latest DIY blogger trend is to give outdated accessories a mini-makeover with a spray of gold paint.

Brown as a neutral

The color gray might still be the most popular neutral color for 2012, but brown continues to be the classic color of choice for fall decor. Teich says that "earthy browns are definitely on trend," and there is a renewed interest in using this neutral staple as a backdrop for bolder color combos. It also pairs fabulously with gold metallics. But beware. According to Teich, "The movement right now is away from red-hued woods and towards colors like walnut and provincial brown." Instead incorporate red shades in other home accessories for a classic fall look.

Hot hues

According to Jeanine Hays, creative director and founder of AphroChic, colorful accessories are big this year. "Just like in fashion, this fall it's all about color," she tells us. "Bright red accent seating, a side table in yellow or a lamp in deep tangerine — this fall have fun mixing in some of your favorite shades with your neutral staples to bring a pop of color into your home."

Bright accessories are a great way to test out a trendy color without fully committing to making it a major element of your decor. While it takes a bold personality to paint an accent wall in this year's color of the year, Tangerine Tango, anyone can bring in an accent pillow or two in this bold orange shade to play with the trend.

Let the changing leaf colors of autumn inspire your color palette. Warm reds, burnt oranges, deep plums and golden yellows work wonderfully with a neutral brown. The look can be either modern or traditional, depending on the patterns and accessories that are used.

Go global

From the runway to home goods, exotic looks from faraway lands continue to gain popularity this year. "Handcrafted pieces from around the world are becoming a beautiful way to add a bit of eclecticism to your interior this fall," Hays explains. "Egyptian lighting, Senegalese baskets, ikat pillows — bring just a few of these pieces home for a bit of global chic." Global accents like ornate carved wood, woven baskets and rich textiles can also add a layer of texture to a space.

Bringing it all together

Need help visualizing how these trends can work together? Take a cue from Honey We’re Home and set your holiday table using a warm wood table as the base and layering it with gold chargers and a patterned chevron dinner plate. Mark each table setting with a feather accent for an exotic feel.

Pick up a few key accents that are on trend for fall and put them to use all year round.

Tell us

What is your favorite fall decorating trend? Share in the comments below!